For most people in tourism and hospitality, career paths move in one direction—either you stay in the industry or shift to teaching. But for Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP) Mychale Williams, the two worlds didn’t compete. Instead, they strengthened each other.
Mychale began his journey in frontlines where everything depended on communication, adaptability, and a genuine passion for service. Over time, she learned that thriving in hospitality meant mastering more than technical skills. It meant mastering people.
“As I grew in the industry, I realized the most essential skills are strong communication, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity,” she said. “Our work is about people. When we pair those with problem-solving and real passion for service, we’re able to create experiences that guests genuinely remember.”
But what would eventually set him apart was something else—her willingness to evolve.
The shift that changed everything
While advancing in the hospitality field, Mychale made a major pivot: she moved into academe. The shift wasn’t easy, and adjusting from hands-on service to a more structured environment took time.
“Yes, I shifted from the tourism industry into academe while still staying connected to the field,” she explained. “The biggest challenge was adjusting from hands-on service to a more structured academic environment, but I embraced it by seeing the classroom as another space to serve—this time by shaping future professionals.”
She didn’t leave hospitality—she simply expanded how he contributed to it.
Why continuous learning became non-negotiable
If there’s one belief that defines her career, it’s that staying relevant means never standing still.
“I stay competitive by continuously learning through industry training, research, and engaging with both colleagues and guests,” she said. “The tourism field changes fast, so staying curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas helps me remain relevant.”
Her career grew because he refused to limit himself to one discipline. He embraced industry shifts—from digital tools and sustainability trends to evolving guest expectations. And the more he learned, the more he shared with his students.
By bridging the industry with the classroom, Mychale created a feedback loop that benefits both sides. Every new trend he studies becomes practical insight for students. Every classroom conversation gives him a fresh perspective on how the next generation views hospitality.
The mindset that keeps him moving forward
The best career advice she ever received continues to guide her across both worlds.
“The best advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning while staying true to your passion for service,” she shared. “In the industry, it reminds me to adapt and innovate for guests. In the academe, it pushes me to share that same mindset with students.”
Her outlook is simple but powerful: success doesn’t come from choosing a lane—it comes from choosing growth.
Why future-proofing means embracing both tradition and transformation
Tourism and hospitality continue to evolve, shaped by sustainability, digitalization, and new guest behaviors. Mychale believes the only way to stay future-ready is to adapt without losing the core of hospitality.
“I believe future-proofing a career in tourism and hospitality means balancing continuous learning with adaptability,” she said. “In the industry, I stay updated on trends like sustainability and digitalization. In the academe, I translate those shifts into teaching so future professionals are equally prepared.”
By refusing to choose between industry and academe, Mychale built a career that moves forward no matter how the field changes.
She didn’t pivot away from hospitality—she expanded his purpose within it. And in an industry defined by constant motion, that mindset might just be the real competitive advantage.
